Christian Counseling and the “Challenge” of Atheism

Christian Counseling against Atheism

Christian Counseling with Atheists or those who reject the existence of God is a difficult task because one does not have a common ground to build upon. Both philosophies stem from very different ideals. Where the Theist finds existence to be a product of God, the Atheist finds it to be a happen chance of nature, while where the Theist finds objective morality in God, the Atheist finds subjective morality in himself.

In dealing with an Atheist, Christian Counselors must first identify an Atheist’s mindset. First and foremost, Atheism is a materialistic and humanistic philosophy that puts man at the center of everything. It is truly the manifestation of the serpent’s temptation to Adam and Eve that “you will be like gods”. Second, an Atheist is under the illusion that Theists come from a medieval philosophy devoid of reason and science. In the Atheistic mindset, they are the modern man, equipped with the logic and science. This image must be shattered in open debate and counseling.

A Theist and Christian must utilize sound logical philosophy and present science not as an enemy of faith but as a partner in truth. Unfortunately, one cannot use sacred theology to counsel or debate an Atheist because they do not believe in it. Hence the necessity of good natural theology that finds logic and truth in man’s natural reasoning is necessary.

From this, one can utilize ideas on the Natural Law and other objectively binding ideals. One should also be encouraged to use the philosophy of Socrates and his students in portraying the ideals of goodness and universality.

In regards to God, the Thomistic proofs for the existence of God are excellent sources. These

St. Thomas Aquinas provided five proofs of reason for the existence of God. Also please review to learn how to become a certified Christian counselor

include such arguments as cause, motion, and gradation. Also the Ontological Argument of St. Anselm can be applied in these cases, as well as later arguments of Design.

The Christian Counselor in the modern era must not only be equipped in counseling strategies but also be an excellent defender of the faith. Christian Counseling must be apologetic in nature if it hopes to be beneficial when it comes under philosophical attack.